Obituary of Michael James Vandygriff

Michael James Vandygriff, age 55, of Vermont, Illinois, died on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

 Michael James Vandygriff was born April 19, 1970, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Sam and Nancy (Lutz) Vandygriff. Later in life, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Seabees.  

 Michael got his first job at Shoney’s as a kitchen manager, where he met his wife, Lori Lynn Vandygriff. Michael also found a of love of building when working at Taylor’s Woodworking. Later moving on to work for National Maintenance. He enjoyed simple things in life, hunting,  fishing, woodworking, and video gaming.

 Michael is survived by a sister; Stephanie Lalor (Matt), S Roxana; brother, Robert Vandygriff (Christy), Alton; son, Donald Vandygriff (Emily), Jerseyville; daughters, Cori Dapper (Jeff Ralph), Maryland, Catherine  Misner (Chase), Florida; nieces and nephews; Steven Vandygriff, Aspen Vandygriff, Serah Vandygriff, Amanda Lalor; seven grandchildren, Alexander Dierking, Thomas Dapper, Nola Dierking, Hunter Dapper-Ralph, Cloud Vandygriff, Abraxos Vandygriff and Chloe Misner.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Lori Lynn Vandygriff; mom and dad, Samuel and Nancy Jean (Lutz) Vandygriff; grandparents, John and Nola (Hoover) Lutz and Horace and Catherine (Nolan) Vandygriff.  

 Michael will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. At 11:30 am on July 2nd, 2025.